To assist in the start-up of a now successful performance clothing business I developed two new motorcycle clothing brands for men and women. I defined the Quality Management System and Technical Specification, which formed essential building blocks on which the business has grown.On a seasonal basis I have supported new product development with my expertise in garment construction and fit.

I initially joined Home Retail Group on a contract basis to work on various product categories for Homebase and Argos. During my time with Home Retail Group I contributed to numerous decorating, DIY and garden categories. For Argos I supported the Business Development teams on Health & Beauty and Living Aids. Relationship building between Quality Assurance and Homebase trading teams was a key part of the role, promoting behavioural change to ensure new product development was compliant to legislation, adhered to the company’s core values and met the customer expectations.As part of this role I chaired cross functional Cosmetic Product Group, achieving full and on-time compliance to new EU Regulation; worked with 3rd parties, including BSI and Trading Standards on the implementation of Construction Product Regulations and established Technical Standards for various consumer goods and DIY products; Co-ordinated database for both ethical and technical audits, managing completion of out of date audits and implementation of Corrective Action Plans.

During my time at Thomas Sports Group I was responsible for the Brand Management of Frank Thomas motorcycle clothing and Red Route motorcycle jeans. I developed all new products from concept to launch, ensuring a full, complete and inspiring product offer. The products that I developed while at Thomas Sports Group needed to be highly functional, comfortable and echo trends in the fashion world. To ensure all new product met the exact requirements in terms of performance and style I continuously monitored competitor activity and innovation in personal protection. Through strategic planning, ongoing assessment and corrective action I achieved consistency in manufacturing while ensuring costs remained competitive. I devised branding guidelines, established pattern blocks relevant to the sector, and defined grading rules, to guarantee a clear brand identity and consistency in fit.

I was approached to join Next Sourcing Ltd. (the sourcing division of Next Plc.) to help build the Cosmetic, Fragrance and Toiletries category. Working closely with the design and merchandising functions I developed and progressed product from the very early stages of development through to completion. I establish key factories globally, working with new factories to improve their standards and bring them up to acceptable manufacturing and product standards. This require regular visit to the factories in the Far East and central Europe and allowed me to gain a thorough understanding of off shore production and the challenges encountered working with different cultures.As part of this role I established a base formulation library with key factories offering good, better and best options. This allowed product to be bought to the market quicker by reducing development lead times. I also defined technical standards adopted by the whole business.

During my time with Next Retail Ltd. I was responsible for the technical function of all Womenswear Accessories. This included a diverse range of products including Handbags & Purses; Hats, Gloves & Scarves; Cosmetics, Fragrance & Toiletries; Gifts; Jewellery & Watches.This role allowed me to grown as a technologist, when I joined NEXT this area of the business was still developing, when I moved on to Next Sourcing Ltd annual turnover for Womens Accessories was £170M+. I worked closely with the supply base the learn about the various products in the range, allowing me to defined and established manufacturing and testing standards in order to maintain NEXT brand reputation for good quality.As Technologist I managed a team of 3 assistants and trainees. I supported them and offer training when required, sharing my product knowledge to ensure they were well equipped to support the wider business. I also reviewed workload on a seasonal basis, to ensure that the complexity and division of product ranges was appropriate to their level.

While at British Shoe Corporation I was responsible for the Quality of all accessories purchased by the five businesses in the Corporation. The five businesses represented premium brands through to value driven mass-produced lines. During my time here I established the Quality requirements for handbags and socks.

I was invited back to Avon following a successful Student Placement ,to work in the Fashions Department, with responsibility for technical aspects of a range of Fashion Accessories including products for infants and children As part of this role I developed a range of fine gauge hosiery intended for the UK market, following a successful launch the range was then selected to be sold throughout Europe.

Following graduation I joined BHS as a trainee buyer. I was part of the Womenswear Tailoring buying team which gave me a great insight to the fast paced environment of a High Street Retailer. My main responsibilities was to ensure all samples were ordered and available for selection meetings, fit meetings and photo shoots. I was actively involved in all fit meetings, reviewed and approved all test reports and agreed content of garment care labels.